Cantabrian cliffside hideaway
Carved into Monte Igeldo's cliffs, sculpted stone terraces and panoramic glazing catch sea spray and shifting Cantabrian light with quiet poise.
“The bright spacious rooms – furnished in cool pastel tones, marble and oak – feature a private balcony.”
Where it shines
Notable
A subterranean stone hydrotherapy pool and panoramic sea-facing relaxation loungers.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Gold List
Condé Nast Traveler
2026
Also in Wallpaper*.
The views of the Basque coastline are extraordinary, and they’re expertly framed by the windows of these masterful minimalist rooms and suites.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Monte Igeldo provides coastal hiking trails and sweeping ocean vistas, while central San Sebastian and its pintxo bars sit ten minutes away.
The rooms
All rooms look out to the Bay of Biscay through floor-to-ceiling glass, while Ocean Suites add indoor stone plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated stone pool has hydromassage jets and water cascades set beside curved glass walls.
The spa
Three stone cabins host rituals with Sisley Paris and Cantabrian stones, beside a marble hammam and sea-facing daybeds.
Restaurant
Akelarre
Pedro Subijana’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant serves avant-garde Basque tasting menus inside an octagonal room overlooking the Cantabrian Sea.
The 22 rooms – ranging from spacious Doubles to dramatic Ocean Suites – are all outward-facing, designed to drink in the Cantabrian light.
At the table
Espazio Oteiza serves seasonal Basque dishes beside panoramic ocean windows. Downstairs, the wine cellar stores over 650 labels.
How it began
Chef Pedro Subijana expanded his culinary destination in 2017, embedding modernist architecture and warm oak interiors directly into the Basque mountainside.
Good to know
Stay here
Akelarre
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.